There were two fails in a tough weekend footy for some.
But others enhanced their reputation amid a tight flag race with plenty of movement in the top eight.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 12 Report Card!
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What is Melbourne’s method right now? | 02:59
ADELAIDE CROWS
It was a grim outing for Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday, with their drought at the sporting colosseum now stretching even further since their last win at the venue in 2017. Their first half was abysmal, and while they showed dashing glimpses of brilliance in the second half – it was ultimately a failure for the Crows, who are now all but ruled out of finals contention.
In the votes
There weren’t many notable individual performances for the Crows, however Matt Crouch (35 disposals, seven tackles, seven clearances) was again prolific for the visitors. Mitch Hinge (31 disposals, nine marks, six rebound 50s) and Lachie Sholl (28 disposals, five intercept possessions) were solid in their output, but ultimately not able to drag the Crows closer to victory.
Room for improvement
In short, many parts of the Crows’ game need improvement. They were smacked in the inside 50 and clearance count, and simply didn’t give their forwards a good enough chance to deliver with their entries a lot of the time. Izak Rankine’s absence has evidently left a huge hole in their offence and run forward. The lack of output from the likes of Josh Rachele and Harry Schoenberg on Saturday was disappointing, with more expected and needed from the duo if the Crows are to win more games than they lose.
Grade
F
BRISBANE LIONS
The Lions had the bye.
CARLTON
The Blues produced arguably their best win of the season last Thursday night in a 36-point victory over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. In what was an arm wrestle all night, even if Carlton felt in control, Michael Voss’ side put the Power to the sword with eight goals in the fourth term including kicking 7.1 from stoppage, with skipper Patrick Cripps coming up huge with four majors in the period. It sets up a blockbuster showdown with Essendon at the MCG next week.
In the votes
Sam Walsh ran amok in the midfield with 35 disposals, 15 contested, and 13 tackles. Cripps was arguably the match winner with his two fourth-quarter goals including gathering nine of his 22 touches in the final term. Tom De Koning set the tone in the ruck in one of his bets games, finishing with 18 possessions, 12 contested, six tackles, one goal and 28 hit-outs.
Room for improvement
Can’t fault a comprehensive win over a top four team on the road. Full marks.
Grade
A+
Rising Star no more! Reid cops ban | 01:17
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood’s unbeaten run came to an end as an undermanned Bulldogs outfit came from behind to record an 18-point win. It appears as though the Pies’ injury crisis is finally catching up to them, they certainly appeared to be missing the class of the likes of Brody Mihocek, Scott Pendlebury, Jamie Elliott, Jordan De Goey and Tom Mitchell among others.
In the votes
Nick Daicos is a serious Brownlow Medal contender this year and was at his brilliant best against the Dogs with 32 touches, 16 clearances and two goals, while brother Josh Daicos was also impressive with 23 disposals and two goals. Jack Crisp and Steele Sidebottom also tried hard.
Room for improvement
How much do we read into this given their injury woes? The Pies were pretty good throughout the match, but just didn’t have the firepower to match it with Marcus Bontempelli and his Bulldogs. They got smashed in clearances (-17), uncontested possession (-47) and inside 50s (-23). Desperately need some troops back for the clash against the Dees on King’s Birthday.
Grade
C
ESSENDON
The Bombers lost their first game since Round 4 (can you believe?) in falling to the Suns on the Gold Coast in the Sunday twilight match. Brad Scott’s side never gave up
though nor lost any admirers and remain in second place on the ladder at the end of the round. It sets up a blockbuster showdown with the fifth-placed Blues at the MCG this Sunday night with a top four spot on the line.
In the votes
Zach Merrett led from the front with 33 disposals, 10 contested in another strong showing from the skipper. Jye Caldwell (23 touches, 10 tackles, one goal), Nic Martin (24 possessions) and Nick Hind (23 disposals, one goal) were also prolific.
Room for improvement
Inaccuracy in front of goal hurt the Bombers, 11.14 (44 per cent), compared to the Suns, 14.7 (67 per cent), with Nik Cox (three goals) their only multiple goalkicker. They did enough otherwise to win the game.
Grade
B-
Freo THUMP Dees in Alice Springs | 03:46
FREMANTLE
The Dockers go bang! Fremantle smacked Melbourne to the tune of 92 points in Alice Springs in one of the club’s biggest ever wins. Who said the Dockers aren’t a high-scoring side? Justin Longmuir’s side got a healthy percentage booster in the process – now holding the second-best percentage in the AFL (121.4) after Sydney – to climb into sixth place on the ladder in the ideal blueprint of how it wants to play. Perhaps not the ideal time for the in-form Freo to have its mid-season bye this week.
In the votes
Plenty to choose from. Jordan Clark and Luke Ryan did their usual thing across half back, controlling the game with a combined 64 disposals and 33 marks. Caleb Serong (27 touches, 14 contested, one goal) led from the middle superbly, Sam Switowski (25 disposals, one goal) set up ample scoring opportunities and Josh Treacy and Luke Jackson booted three goals apiece.
Room for improvement
Full marks for the Dockers, who couldn’t have played much better in a statement game to show they’re the real deal in 2024.
Grade
A+
GEELONG
Despite concerning first-half signs, Chris Scott’s Cats steadied their ship and steered their way to victory with an impressive second-half surge to topple the Tigers. Geelong fell behind by as many as 29 points in the second stanza but ultimately won by 30 after overwhelming an inexperienced and undermanned Richmond unit at home.
In the votes
Max Holmes (29 disposals, eight inside-50s, game-high eight score involvements, one goal) seemed like he was a link in all of Geelong’s scoring chains. Brad Close (15 disposals, five score involvements, one goal) played a key role in Geelong’s second-half transition dominance. Jack Bowes’ (29 disposals, nine clearances, 11 inside-50s, 14 contested possessions, one goal) ball use, particularly by foot, was impressive.
Room for improvement
The slow-starting Cats had their supporters murmuring nervously — it wasn’t a convincing effort, but the second-half version of Scott’s side looked more like the one we saw dominate the early portion of this season. Despite overrunning them in the second half, the Tigers won the clearance battle in the first part of the game, which proved key to building their 29-point second-term advantage. Without Patrick Dangerfield, Mark Blicavs, Jhye Clark and Cam Guthrie, Geelong’s stoppage game isn’t in top nick.
Grade
B
Ginnivan blasted by teammate after goal | 00:44
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns got back on the winners list in an important bounce back against Essendon to reclaim a spot in the top eight. It means Gold Coast is yet to drop a home game this season – either at People First Stadium or in Darwin – improving to 7-5 overall under Damien Hardwick to lead the 9th place Collingwood and 10th placed Melbourne on percentage. Now just for Hardwick’s team to replicate that form on the road, where it’s yet to win a game in 2024.
In the votes
Noah Anderson was at his brilliant best with 33 disposals, 17 contested and eight clearances. Sam Flanders (33 disposals) was also busy across half back and Mac Andrew (25 disposals) in defence. Ben King and Ben Long meanwhile booted four goals each.
Room for improvement
As put by Kangaroos legend David King on Fox Footy’s The First Crack, the Suns “found a way to win ugly,” beating Essendon around the ground with a better transition game – not through their star-studded midfield. When the midfield needed to step up late, it did though. Now it’s just a matter of Gold Coast’s whole game coming together, which mightn’t happen this year but is certainly on the right trajectory.
Grade
B
GWS GIANTS
The Giants had the bye.
HAWTHORN
Incredibly, Hawthorn is now in finals contention; albeit on the outskirts. Their 27-point win over the Crows was a pleasant surprise for Hawks fans, who after an awful start to 2024 can now see the future in its full beauty. A full-team effort helped shut down a hapless Adelaide for the vast majority of their match, and now some tendencies of a side who can test the best of the best for the rest of 2024.
In the votes
Dylan Moore (27 disposals, 12 score involvements, five goals) was clearly best on ground for the Hawks in an absolute day out for the 24-year-old. Not too far behind him was fellow small forward Jack Ginnivan (22 disposals, eight inside 50s, two goals) – who despite some turnovers, was crucial in Hawthorn’s flare inside the attacking half. Jai Newcombe (26 disposals, nine clearances) was commendable on ball for the hosts, and may sneak a singular vote on Brownlow night.
Room for improvement
There wasn’t much for the Hawks to improve on over the weekend. They periodically allowed the Crows to score in small flurries, but overall their performance was very, very good.
Grade
A
Saints march to 14 point win in the West | 02:28
MELBOURNE
The Dees were uncharacteristically dismantled by Fremantle by 92 points in Alice Springs. It marked Melbourne’s biggest losing margin in 172 games under Simon Goodwin its biggest score under the 2021 premiership coach (141 points) in an eight-year low Goodwin labelled the performance “unacceptable,” with his side losing enough percentage to drop out of the top eight entirely ahead of a blockbuster King’s Birthday clash with Collingwood.
In the votes
Max Gawn had 23 touches, 11 contested, with 31 hit-outs and one goal. Christian Petracca (26 touches, one goal) and Jack Viney (24 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) never stopped trying.
Room for improvement
A lot to address. The Dees were beaten in just about all facets of the game – at both ends of the ground and in the middle. The midfield beat down was perhaps most alarming given it’s an area Goodwin’s side is usually so strong in and set the wheels in motion for everything else including leaking scores badly.
Grade
F
NORTH MELBOURNE
The Kangaroos had the bye.
PORT ADELAIDE
Port put up a fight for three quarters against Carlton before getting blown apart late on its own home deck. While the Blues deserve due plaudits for their performance, it creates more concerns around the Power and whether or not they’ve improved from last year, particularly defensively. For Ken Hinkley’s side was split open in the fourth quarter, conceding eight goals including seven from stoppage. It saw Port fall to 8-4 ahead of its mid-season bye next week.
In the votes
Mitch Georgiades stepped up with a season-best four goals in the emerging forward’s best game back from his ACL injury. With Zak Butters well clamped by Alex Cincotta, Jason Horne-Francis battled hard in the midfield with 22 disposals, 10 clearances, six tackles and one goal.
Room for improvement
Outside of the fourth quarter, it wasn’t that bad. However Port was smashed in the midfield at key stages, which is usually such a strength area, as it struggled without star skipper Connor Rozee. And while the two are related given how easily Carlton was able to clear the ball from the midfield, the Power’s leaky defence remains a concern amid question marks on whether the club’s recruits have genuinely improved Hinkley’s back six.
Grade
D+
‘We are proud of our effort’ | 03:47
RICHMOND
Richmond’s attempt at staging a tremendous upset of the Cats at GMHBA Stadium proved futile, despite a spirited effort at a venue they’ve had a torrid time playing at in recent decades. The Tigers built a 29-point second-quarter lead off the back of incessant ball pressure and a surge mentality that reminded of the club’s dynastic premiership period. After a gallant effort in Dreamtime at the ‘G last Saturday, Adem Yze’s undermanned brigade can again hold their heads high in defeat — but will be looking to sustain their manic pressure over a four-quarter period.
In the votes
Liam Baker (game-high 31 disposals, 15 contested possessions, five clearances, six tackles, one goal) led the way for Richmond between the arcs, while Noah Balta (18 disposals, nine marks, three contested grabs, equal-game-high nine intercept possessions) stood tall behind the ball. Mykelti Lefau (two goals) was a constant threat inside forward 50.
Room for improvement
Finishing games out remains a key point of improvement for these Tigers, as they continue to lick their injury wounds — Marlion Pickett was subbed out with calf tightness, while emerging forward Mykelti Lefau (knee) is facing 12 months on the sidelines with an ACL tear. After equalling Geelong’s inside-50 tally in the first half, Richmond ended up -23 in the count at full-time.
Grade
B
ST KILDA
The Saints come away from their longest road trip with a win – made more impressive by the fact the side played out the final quarter without key forward Max King. The side overcame a shocking forward half efficiency in the first term, where they went at less than 30% in attack, and West Coast’s second term midfield dominance to finish +5 in clearances. The Saints went harder at the ball and ended up +10 in contested possessions on their season average. There were glimpses of the fast-paced Saints, while their zone defence proved impenetrable at times.
In the votes
Mason Wood became the go-to in attack after King went down, and he finished with four goals in an impressive display – three of those coming in the final term with the match on the line. Jack Steele and Hunter Clark racked up a whopping 27 tackles between them while Paddy Dow shrugged off a monster Jeremy McGovern hit to collect 22 disposals and nine clearances. Rowan Marshall was a beast in the ruck with 18 disposals, eight clearances and more than 40 hit-outs. The decision to shift Marcus Windhager onto Harley Reid proved the game-changer for the Saints.
Room for improvement
Coach Ross Lyon admitted young Eagle Harley Reid “lit ‘em up” in a stunning first half – so the decision to allow Reid to run free in the second term is one to regret. Luckily, it didn’t cost the Saints too dearly – although they coughed up 11 straight clearances in that term. St Kilda also struggled to avoid the intercepting duo of Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass at times in attack, instead of lowering the eyes and opting for the short option.
Grade
B+
‘Stand in front of us and protect us’ | 02:00
SYDNEY SWANS
The Swans had the bye.
WEST COAST EAGLES
The Eagles hadn’t been beaten at home since March but suffered two big pre-game blows with Tim Kelly and Coleman Medal hopeful Jake Waterman ruled out with injury. And they couldn’t penetrate St Kilda’s at times suffocating defence before running out of gas in the final term as a result. The Eagles did have purple patches at the ends of both the first and second quarters – including a burst of 11 straight clearances before half-time. But they couldn’t maintain that momentum and came away with a loss, despite leading the contest for eight minutes more than the Saints. The match turned completely on the moment Rising Star favourite Harley Reid was penalised for his sling tackle in the third term.
In the votes
If the match was over at half time, young gun Harley Reid would have been best afield. The prized number one pick had 17 touches and seven clearances in a blistering half before he was clamped by Saint Marcus Windhager to finish with only three more touches – and Match Review scrutiny for his sling tackle. Liam Ryan found some of his best form with three goals and eight score involvements. And he had plenty of help from Jamie Cripps (three goals) in attack. Tom Barrass continues to push his claim for All Australian selection with 10 intercepts. Liam Duggan and Jeremy McGovern were also impressive down back with 46 disposals and more than 1160m gained between them.
Room for improvement
Harley Reid endured a horror second half where he collected just three disposals and struggled to shake the hard tag. But the teen had little help from those around him as he was taken out of the game. Alex Witherden was lucky not to pay maximum price for his blunder – where he failed to hear the umpire call play on and coughed up the free kick. Jack Petruccelle couldn’t get near it and despite the speedster’s ability to break the lines, managed just eight disposals and only 81m gained.
Grade
C-
WESTERN BULLDOGS
It looks as though the Bulldogs have turned a corner in season 2024 after a lean start to the season. The Dogs have been much improved over the last month, defeating Collingwood, GWS and Richmond and only narrowly going down to ladder leaders Sydney. Luke Beveridge’s troops are now sitting just a game outside the top eight.
In the votes
Marcus Bontempelli, take a bow. The Bulldogs captain willed his side over the line, amassing 38 disposals, ten clearances and two goals. Adam Treloar (37 disposals, one goal) continues to press his case for an All-Australian blazer, while Bailey Dale (35 disposals) and Sam Darcy (three goals) were other key contributors.
Room for improvement
The Dogs would like to work on stopping teams when they get on a run, at one stage the Pies booted five out of the last six goals to threaten to take the game away from them. However, winning with a man down on the bench is gusty and should be commended. Their tall forward stocks are suddenly looking shaky, with Sam Darcy likely to draw the attention of the MRO, just a week after Aaron Naughton hurt his knee. With the likes of Tom Liberatore and Ed Richards set to return next week, the Dogs are starting to look like finals contenders once more.
Grade
A